It’s easy to see why Naples, Marco Island, and the Everglades are affectionately known as Florida’s Paradise Coast. Set along the glistening Gulf of Mexico, the region pairs Champagne-hued beaches with refined dining, a vibrant arts and culture scene, and abundant outdoor adventures. It’s an effortlessly chic place to slow down and embrace coastal living at its very finest.
Must-Do: Begin your morning with a serene stroll through Naples Botanical Garden, where a 2.5-mile trail meanders through nine lush gardens of tropical plants, lily-covered pools, and orchids that gently fragrance the air. For an afternoon of cultural sophistication, visit Artis—Naples, The Baker Museum, a standout stop on Florida’s art trail. This contemporary art museum is home to more than 4,000 works and striking installations by American glass artist Dale Chihuly.
Eat: The Paradise Coast’s elegant aura extends to its dining scene, too. For brunch, head to Jane’s Café on 3rd, where breakfast dishes include lobster smashed avocado benedict or a French omelette with bacon and brie. Come evening, make a reservation at SAILS restaurant. Their eight-course tasting menu celebrates the jewels of land and sea, with opulent dishes like crab with pepper jam and mango purée, lobster ravioli with a shellfish reduction, and a show-stopping finale of Grand Marnier Soufflé.
Day Trip: Spend a day soaking up the sun on Marco Island’s Tigertail Beach, a shoreline with two tales: a calm side and a wilder edge. The serene side, known by locals as the “inner beach”, offers boardwalks, watersport rentals, and a snack bar, while the more rugged “outer beach” is reached by wading through a saltwater lagoon that can be waist-deep at times. The reward: three miles of secluded white-sand beaches, ideal for shelling, tidal pool discoveries, and spotting dolphins.
